10 Canadian books coming out in August we can't wait to read
A new month means new books! Here are the Canadian books coming out in August we are excited to check out.
Our Homesick Songs by Emma Hooper
What it's about: Ten-year-old Finn lives in a tiny Newfoundland fishing village. But when the cod industry collapses, the village gets smaller and smaller as more and more people leave to find work elsewhere. Can Finn save the village and keep his family together? Our Homesick Songs is the second novel by Emma Hooper — her first was the charming Etta and Otto and Russell and James.
When you can read it: Aug. 7, 2018
Foe by Iain Reid
What it's about: The buzz for Iain Reid's second thriller Foe began building months before it hit bookstores, when the film rights were snapped up by Anonymous Content in April. Foe takes place on a remote farm, home to a married couple named Junior and Henrietta. One day, a stranger arrives on their doorstep with some terrible news. Reid is also the author of the thriller I'm Thinking of Ending Things and the memoirs One Bird's Choice and The Truth About Luck.
When you can read it: Aug. 7, 2018
Starlight by Richard Wagamese
What it's about: Starlight is the final novel of beloved Indigenous writer Richard Wagamese. The novel was not completed before Wagamese died in 2017, and will include a note from the publisher. Set in 1980 in the B.C. interior, Starlight is about an Indigenous farmer named Frank Starlight whose quiet life is dramatically changed by the frantic arrival of a woman named Emmy and her young child. Emmy and her child have escaped an abusive home and end up forming a bond with Frank.
When you can read it: Aug. 14, 2018
God of Shadows by Lorna Crozier
What it's about: In this collection, Lorna Crozier invents, pays tribute to and gently mocks a gallery of gods drawn from her imagination. From the titular god of shadows to the gods of vacant houses, guilt and doubt, Crozier infuses the ordinary with the divine in her latest poetry collection. The celebrated B.C. poet is an Officer of the Order of Canada and past Governor General's Literary Award winner.
When you can read it: Aug. 21, 2018
The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson
What it's about: The Saturday Night Ghost Club is a novel about 12-year-old Jake, a young boy invited to join a "ghost club" with his beloved misfit uncle. Thus begins Jake's unforgettable summer, in which it becomes apparent his uncle is troubled, but not by ghosts. Davidson has written memoir (Precious Cargo), literary fiction (Cataract City) and horror, under the pseudonym Nick Cutter.
When you can read it: Aug. 14, 2018
Heartbreaker by Claudia Dey
What it's about: In Heartbreaker, Claudia Dey's second novel, Billie Jean has disappeared. She's lived in a small town for almost 20 years, and still feels like she doesn't quite belong. Those who love Billie Jean set out to find her, and the search results in a fantastical journey about the mysteries of life.
When you can read it: Aug. 21, 2018
Clifford by Harold R. Johnson
What it's about: In Clifford, Governor General's Literary Award-nominated writer Harold R. Johnson recounts the life of his beloved younger brother, who was killed by a drunk driver. The two brothers were raised in northern Saskatchewan by their father, a quiet man of Swedish descent, and mother, a formidable Cree trapper. This memoir imagines Clifford following his curiosity for the universe into science. Johnson's previous book was Firewater: How Alcohol is Killing My People and Yours.
When you can read it: Aug. 28, 2018
I'm Afraid of Men by Vivek Shraya
What it's about: Multidisciplinary artist Vivek Shraya recounts a lifetime of resilience in her new nonfiction book, I'm Afraid of Men. From childhood to adulthood, Shraya maintains a constant survival act, combating misogyny, homophobia and transphobia, and candidly shares the ways she's been shaped by trauma. Shraya is also a poet, musician and filmmaker.
When you can read it: Aug. 28, 2018
French Exit by Patrick deWitt
What it's about: Frances Tart is a widow living in New York, dealing with scandals, near bankruptcy, her useless adult son and her cat, which she believes is her late husband. Frances decides to leave everything behind and start over in Paris, but nothing goes according to plan. Patrick deWitt is also the author of The Sisters Brothers.
When you can read it: Aug. 28, 2018
Beirut Hellfire Society by Rawi Hage
What it's about: From the author of De Niro's Game and Cockroach comes the story of a secret society that gives proper burials to those who were denied them for reasons such as being an atheist or being gay. Pavlov, a 20-year-old undertaker, joins the society after his father's death and what unfolds is an examination of what it's like to live through war, and what it's like to face death.
When you can read it: Aug. 28, 2018